The Boston Red Sox learned the hard way in 2025 that a lack of top-end pitching can derail even a promising season. After bowing out in the American League Wild Card, the organization faces a clear offseason priority: rebuild the rotation with true star power.
But according to FanSided’s Wynston Wilcox, patience could pay off in historic fashion. Wilcox predicts that next offseason, the Red Sox could land a “legendary” rotation partner for Garrett Crochet — none other than Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, one of baseball’s premier arms and a leading contender for the 2025 AL Cy Young Award.
“The Boston Red Sox need to make up for the Walker Buehler mistake from last winter,” Wilcox wrote. “They brought him in to be the No. 2 behind Garrett Crochet and he was inconsistent and frustrating for much of the season. Adding Skubal would not only help the Red Sox forget about Buehler, but it will also help them avenge an early playoff exit to rival New York Yankees this October.”
Skubal, who is entering the final stages of his current deal reportedly worth around $22.5 million annually, was brilliant throughout the 2025 campaign. His dominance paralleled that of Crochet — the two traded blows atop the AL Cy Young race for much of the summer. Crochet ultimately led the league in strikeouts and innings pitched but faltered slightly down the stretch, allowing Skubal to pull ahead in several key metrics.
If Boston were able to pair the two left-handed aces next season, it would instantly create one of the most formidable 1–2 punches in all of baseball. Combine that with emerging young arms Brayan Bello and Connelly Early, and the Red Sox could assemble a rotation capable of anchoring a new era of sustained success at Fenway Park.
Still, the front office’s approach this winter remains uncertain. The Sox are expected to pursue at least one reliable starter after last offseason’s short-lived gamble on Buehler. Whether that means adding a short-term rental now or holding out for a blockbuster move in 2026 could shape the franchise’s trajectory for years to come.
